Bevel gear oil, plug sealing washer

Hot Tip:

Drive car for short distance to warm oil

Performance Gain:

Extend bevel gear life

Complementary Modification:

Replace drain plug

The transfer case or bevel (angle) gear is attached to the rear of the transmission on Volvo V70XC models. It transfers power from the transmission to the front and rear wheels. It is a full-time all-wheel drive system; no rear wheel drive is available. There is a driveshaft that runs from the rear of the bevel (angle) gear to the rear differential, and one that runs from the side of the transfer case to the front differential.

It is a good idea to service your fluid every 50,000 miles. If you're unsure of the last service, replace the fluid as soon as possible. Doing so will extend the life of your bevel gear. The bevel gear holds about 0.5 liters of fluid.

The rear driveshaft transfers the rotation of the transmission and transfer case output shaft to the input shaft of the rear differential. Inside the differential the axis of rotation is turned 90 degrees. Using specially designed planetary gears, the differential also splits the power in order to accommodate cornering: the two rear wheels must be allowed to rotate at different speeds in a turn. The output flanges of the differential connect to the drive axles that power the rear wheels.

The oil in the differential lubricates the bearings and gears that drive the wheels of your V70XC. You want these items to last, and with routine maintenance, they will. I suggest replacing your differential fluid every four years regardless of mileage. It's a good idea to check the fluid every time you change your oil and top it up if necessary. The rear differential holds about 1 to 1.5 liters of oil. Have a little more on hand in case you spill it. When it comes to choosing the right fluid for your differential, Volvo recommends using gear oil (API-GL5) and a limited slip additive if your vehicle is equipped with limited slip. Give our parts specialists a call to help determine which gear oil is right for your vehicle. It's a good idea to replace the rear diff fluid along with the bevel gear fluid. See our tech article on bevel gear fluid replacing.

Keep in mind that when your car was serviced before, parts may have been replaced with different size fasteners used in the replacement. The sizes of the nuts and bolts we give may be different from what you have, so be prepared with different size sockets and wrenches.

Protect your eyes, hands and body from fluids, dust and debris while working on your vehicle. If you're working with the electrical system, disconnect the battery before beginning. Always catch fluids in appropriate containers and properly dispose of any fluid waste. Recycle parts, packaging and fluids when possible. Do not work on your vehicle if you feel the task is beyond your ability.

Vehicle models change and evolve, as they grow older, so the vehicle shown in our illustrations may vary slightly from yours. If something seems different, let us know and share your info to help other users. Do you have questions or want to add to the article? Leave a comment below. When leaving a comment, please leave your vehicle information.

Drive the vehicle for about two to three minutes to warm the bevel gear oil.

Lift and support the front and the rear of the vehicle. See our tech article on vehicle jacking. You want the bevel gear to be level when checking the oil level. You will also need to wear safety glasses while working under your car.

Figure 1

This photo shows the bevel when viewed from the right side of the vehicle. This photo shows the bevel gear (yellow arrow). The right front drive shaft (green arrow) and rear driveshaft are noted for orientation.

To check your rear bevel gear fluid level, using a 14mm socket (red arrow), remove the oil fill plug (red arrow). Fluid should be just at the bottom edge of the fill plug hole. Top fluid up if needed. It is also a good idea to replace the sealing washer (inset) when the plug is removed.

To replace the fluid, use a 14mm Allen bit and remove the oil fill plug. Place a drain pan under the bevel gear. Then using a fluid pump (green arrow), pump the diff fluid out via the fill plug (red arrow).

Pump oil into the fill plug hole (yellow arrow) until it runs out. Allow the oil to stop dripping or come to a slow drip (red arrow). Then reinstall the fill plug and tighten. Once done, take the vehicle for a short ride and check the bevel gear for leaks.

Comments: When tuning hard to left or right. The car makes a bumping Sound. What is happening when Do this.. how Do I stop it

October 30, 2016

Followup from the Pelican Staff: Could be a faulty drive axle or ball joint. Inspect the front end for loose parts.

Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.
- Nick at Pelican Parts

Terry

Comments: It's the pan.

April 21, 2016

Followup from the Pelican Staff: That is the control module. You can try resealing it.
We don't currently have that tech article. If we get a chance to perform the procedure, we will be sure to document it.

I would grab a repair manual. It will have the procedure, special tools and torque specs.

Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can help you find the right part. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Terry

Comments: Thank you very much for posting such an informative how to. I do have a question actual pan on the bottom with 6 screws on it can that be removed and resealed mine appears to be leaking from there?

April 12, 2016

Followup from the Pelican Staff: Check if the fluid is leaking from the seal above it, or the module (pan).

Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.
- Nick at Pelican Parts

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